Lake remains closed after toxic algae found

The lake contains blue green algae that may produce toxins which pose serious risk to human health if contacted or ingested, according to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

The toxins may accumulate in fish and it’s said possible side-effects include skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, fever, diarrhoea and muscle pain.

Algal blooms are a natural phenomenon caused by the very warm weather and high levels of nutrients in the lakes. The toxins they produce pose a risk to human health if touched or swallowed.

People are being warned to avoid contact with the water and algae and not to eat any fish from these waters until further notice.

As the weather changes, the blooms will decline. Further guidance is being sought on how long the toxins may remain in fish and this will be a factor in the decision to re-open the fisheries.

The waters will remain closed until further notice. For more information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk.